The specter of Trump’s return and the anxieties in the Middle East: Why Saudi Arabia and Qatar are worried

News India Live, Digital Desk: The world’s eyes are on American politics, but the greatest anxiety is felt in the Middle East. Donald Trump is back in power, and he has the image of a leader who doesn’t hesitate to make tough decisions. The old saying goes, “When the wheat is ground, the chaff is ground with it,” and this is precisely the fear haunting countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman today. Let’s understand in simple terms why these wealthy Arab nations are becoming peacemakers amidst the tensions between the US and Iran.

If your neighbor’s house catches fire, the flames will reach yours too. You may recall a time when Saudi Arabia and its allies wanted the US to rein in Iran. But times have changed. Now, these same countries are trying to convince the US, and especially Trump’s team, that “Look, don’t make the mistake of attacking Iran.” The reason is very clear and practical. Iran is a neighbor of these countries. If the US launches a major strike against Iran or attempts a regime change there, Iran will not remain silent.

In retaliation, while the US is far away, the oil fields and cities of nearby Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar would be the first targets. The Gulf countries absolutely do not want to take this risk. Dream projects and the shadow of war: Just imagine, Saudi Arabia is building a high-tech city in the desert, even more advanced than New York, under its ‘Vision 2030’ plan. Qatar and the UAE have become business and tourism hubs. In such a scenario, if even a single missile were to strike, the entire economy would be shaken.

Investors would flee, and years of hard work would be ruined. These countries have moved beyond conflict and are now focusing on ‘business,’ that is, their economies. This is why, recently, Saudi Arabia and Iran have put aside their old animosity and extended a hand of friendship. They know that progress is only possible when there is peace in the neighborhood. Behind-the-scenes diplomacy: Reports suggest that senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are in constant contact with Trump and his new team.

Their message is clear—put pressure on Iran, impose sanctions, but don’t let it escalate to war. Oman has traditionally acted as a mediator between the US and Iran, but this time the situation is serious. This is a very delicate juncture. On one side is Trump’s aggressive stance, which the world is aware of. On the other side is Iran, which is unwilling to back down. And caught between these two are the Arab countries, who simply want their region not to become a battlefield. It will be interesting to see whether ‘businessman’ Donald Trump understands the ‘profit and loss’ calculations of his Arab friends or whether he will stick to his old strategy.